New Aboriginal alcohol and other drug workers

The first 10 West Australian graduates to receive nationally recognised qualifications to support people using alcohol and other drugs were congratulated at a ceremony in Mount Lawley today.

Mental Health Minister, Helen Morton, said the Certificate IV graduates from across Western Australia had a unique skill set to support Aboriginal people facing complex health and social issues around the use of alcohol and other drugs.

'This new training program develops knowledge and skills, so workers can support people living in their community struggling with mental health, alcohol or other drug issues,' Mrs Morton said.

'This Certificate IV qualification in Aboriginal Alcohol and Other Drugs is evidence-based, culturally secure training particularly as it relates to working with Aboriginal people. The learning materials and methods have been developed by Aboriginal professionals and provide an Aboriginal perspective by introducing Aboriginal models of practice, and cultural ways of working.'

The Certificate IV builds the capacity of workers who have already gained the Certificate III in Community Services Work (Aboriginal alcohol and other drugs).

'The Western Australian Drug and Alcohol Office is a leader across the country in providing Aboriginal training in this field and has delivered unique, culturally relevant and nationally recognised training for 12 years now,' the Minister said.